Effective from 1st October 2023, Sarawak and Sabah branches of Hitz and MY FM will be ceased broadcast, so Hitz and MY FM frequencies in Kuching, Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Sibu and Sandakan radio program will relay from Peninsular Malaysia which means radio broadcast feed is from the headquarters.
Meanwhile Sabah and Sarawak branches of Era are not affected.
I may realize the decision of Astro Radio to cease MY FM and Hitz FM localized branches in Sabah and Sarawak is to reduce operation costs.
Astro Sabah and Sarawak branches radio stations were launched in 2010 to cater the listeners' needs in both states by delivering localized content, but it will be ceased on 1st October 2023.
End of 13 years Astro Radio localized radio stations MY and Hitz in Sabah and Sarawak.
Few new radio broadcasters are willing to broadcast through FM radio frequencies transmission platform in order to approach the listeners, unfortunately they are unable to make frequency license application due to frequency spectrum is full, but several radio broadcasters (notably commercial) are blaming the public radio broadcaster RTM for operating two frequencies in same coverage, especially in Klang Valley where RTM operates in Gunung Ulu Kali and Kuala Lumpur Tower.
The new radio broadcasters are actually struggling over RTM's duplicated FM radio frequencies in Klang Valley, and they want RTM to cease Kuala Lumpur Tower radio transmission in order to release more frequencies. So, they can get one of them.
In reality, I don't think RTM will terminate Kuala Lumpur Tower radio transmission in order to release the frequencies to new commercial radio broadcasters because KL Tower acts as the gap filler transmitter to cover Klang Valley areas where some locations cannot receive Gunung Ulu Kali signal clearly.
Here are the duplicated RTM radio frequencies in Klang Valley by stations.
1. Radio Klasik
* 98.3MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali
* 87.7MHz: Kuala Lumpur Tower
2. Nasional FM
* 95.3MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali
* 88.5MHz: Kuala Lumpur Tower
3. Traxx FM
* 100.1MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali
* 90.3MHz: Kuala Lumpur Tower
4. Ai FM
* 106.7MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali
* 89.3MHz: Kuala Lumpur Tower
5. Minnal FM
* 96.3MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali
* 92.3MHz: Kuala Lumpur Tower
6. Asyik FM/Salam FM
* 102.5MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali
* 91.1MHz: Kuala Lumpur Tower
In Kuala Lumpur city center and some Klang Valley areas such as Sungai Buloh, RTM radio stations from Gunung Ulu Kali are less clear, so KL Tower transmitter takes place to cover blind spot coverage of Gunung Ulu Kali in Klang Valley. As RTM is public radio broadcaster which is government service to the people by delivering public messages, it is very important to keep KL Tower radio transmission on air because KL Tower acts as gap filler transmitter in Klang Valley.
If RTM abolishes the transmission of KL Tower radio such as 87.7MHz, 88.5MHz, 89.3MHz, 90.3MHz, 91.1MHz and 92.3MHz, then the radio broadcasters take over these frequencies and transmit in Gunung Ulu Kali, it would cause interference to existing radio stations coverage such as Gunung Kledang in Central Perak, Gunung Telapak Buruk in Negeri Sembilan and several RTM's gap filler areas like Felda Terolak Timur, unless they remain the transmission site in Bukit Sungai Besi or KL Tower.
Among the frequencies, only 92.3MHz is suitable for Gunung Ulu Kali transmission, the rest are NO!
Terminating RTM's KL Tower frequencies does not guarantee the new radio broadcasters can use them for Gunung Ulu Kali and Bukit Sungai Besi transmission.
Nasional FM Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter 95.3MHz operates at 5kW power, but several Kuala Lumpur areas cannot receive clearly due to high rise buildings, so FM 88.5MHz takes place. In addition, if I suggest RTM to increase Gunung Ulu Kali transmitter power for Radio Klasik FM 98.3MHz, Traxx FM 100.1MHz, Ai FM 106.7MHz and Minnal FM 96.3MHz to 3.5kW or 5kW, then abolish KL Tower transmission, it cannot guarantee the high power transmission from Gunung Ulu Kali can cover Kuala Lumpur even clearer like KL Tower.
Just like Negeri FM in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, I detect duplicate frequencies there, such as FM 95.7MHz (Bukit Tampin) and FM 107.7MHz (Gunung Ledang). 10 years ago, I suggested RTM to abolish FM 95.7MHz in order to give way to Asyik FM 95.6MHz for coverage expansion to Melaka and Negeri Sembilan from Gunung Ledang, but RTM did not decide to terminate Negeri FM 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin transmission because Rembau areas such as Chengkau and Kota need Bukit Tampin transmission. Chengkau and Kota cannot receive Negeri FM 92.6MHz and 107.7MHz clearly, so FM 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin takes place.
3 tahun lepas, saya membuat kajian liputan siaran Pahang FM di Keratong dan Selancar dimana tiada frekuensi yang sedia ada meliputi kawasan-kawasan ini. Di samping itu, saya pernah membuat cadangan kepada RTM untuk melancarkan pemancar Pahang FM di Gunung Ledang bagi meliputi Keratong dan Felda Selancar atas sebab 107.5 Gunung Ulu Kali tidak dapat diterima dengan jelas dan 88.0 Bukit Sembilan "disekat" oleh Eight FM 88.1MHz dari Gunung Ledang di Felda Selancar. Namun, saya tidak menerima sebarang maklum balas daripada RTM mengenai cadangan saya pada masa itu.
Pada 16hb September 2023, saya membuat konvoi radio DXing di Johor iaitu Yong Peng, Paloh dan Chaah. Selepas saya menjalankan aktiviti pemantauan isyarat radio jauh di Chaah, saya membuat keputusan untuk bersinggah ke Felda Selancar dengan melalui jalan Felda Renong di Labis, Johor sebelum mengadakan makan tengah hari (sudah lewat makan) di Tangkak.
Felda Selancar dan Perwira Jaya di negeri Pahang tidak jauh dengan sempadan negeri Johor.
Di Felda Selancar, kawasan tersebut diliputi oleh pemancar Gunung Ledang serta Gunung Telapak Buruk, tetapi saya memberi fokus untuk menyemak isyarat radio RTM Pahang FM sebenarnya kerana saya mendapati bahawa frekuensi Pahang FM yang sedia ada tidak dapat meliputi kawasan Keratong dan Selancar.
Frekuensi Pahang FM di Muadzam Shah yang dipancar dari Bukit Sembilan ialah 88.0MHz, tetapi kawasan liputan terhad untuk Bukit Ibam, manakala frekuensi ini diganggu oleh Radio Klasik FM 87.9MHz (Gunung Telapak Buruk) dan Eight FM 88.1MHz (Gunung Ledang) di Bandar Muadzam Shah.
FM 95.5MHz dari Bukit Sulai tidak dapat didengari di Felda Selancar, cuma terdengar bunyi frekuensi Asyik FM 95.6MHz dari Gunung Ledang.
Untuk makluman, siaran radio RTM Pahang FM di kawasan Felda Selancar boleh didengari pada frekuensi 107.5MHz yang dipancar dari Gunung Ulu Kali. Saya membuat ujian isyarat Pahang FM di tiga buah kawasan Felda Selancar, iaitu Felda Selancar 01, Felda Selancar 02 dan Felda Selancar 03. Video dirakam dengan radio kereta, bukannya radio TECSUN PL-380 akibat cuaca panas dan matahari terik.
Isyarat Pahang FM 107.5MHz agak lemah dan kurang jelas diterima di Felda Selancar 01, 02 dan 03. Tambahan pula, Pahang FM 107.5MHz diganggu oleh dua buah stesen radio yang dipancar dari Gunung Ledang (Melody FM 107.3MHz dan Negeri FM 107.7MHz) di Selancar.
Jarak dari Gunung Ulu Kali ke Selancar:
1. Felda Selancar 01: 154km
2. Felda Selancar 02 & 03: 162km
Apabila saya bersinggah dari Felda Selancar 02 ke Felda Selancar 01, isyarat Pahang FM 107.5MHz semakin lemah dan hampir tiada isyarat. Selepas Felda Selancar 01 dan bersinggah ke negeri Johor, semasa perjalanan di Lebuhraya Segamat-Kuantan, Pahang FM masih boleh diterima sehingga Buloh Kasop di Segamat, Johor pada frekuensi FM 107.5MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali, tetapi kurang jelas, manakala FM 95.5MHz dari Bukit Sulai boleh diterima dengan gangguan frekuensi oleh Asyik FM 95.6MHz dari Gunung Ledang.
Sebelum ini, saya pernah memberi cadangan kepada RTM untuk menambah pemancar Pahang FM di Gunung Ledang, tetapi cadangan kurang sesuai kerana Pahang FM ialah stesen radio untuk negeri Pahang, dan Gunung Ledang terletak di negeri Johor.
Untuk memperbaikkan mutu kualiti siaran Pahang FM di Felda Selancar, RTM perlu menukar frekuensi Muadzam Shah di Bukit Sembilan dari 88.0MHz ke 103.9MHz dan menambah kuasa pemancar Bukit Sembilan dari 100W ke 500W supaya pendengar Pahang FM di Selancar boleh mengikuti siaran tersebut dengan jelas. Berdasarkan kepada kajian liputan pemancar radio, pemancaran radio dari Bukit Sembilan boleh meliputi kawasan Felda Selancar dan Keratong dengan jelas.
==Analisis frekuensi radio jika Pahang FM menggunakan frekuensi FM 103.9MHz di Bukit Sembilan==
103.6MHz: Era FM Gunung Telapak Buruk
103.9MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan
<300kHz, OK>
103.9MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan
104.1MHz: Best FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<200kHz, OK>
103.8MHz: Manis FM Bukit Senggora
103.9MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan
<100kHz, OK>
103.9MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sembilan
104.1MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Pelindung
<200kHz, OK>
Sekiranya SKMM (atau dikenali sebagai MCMC) mengizinkan RTM untuk menukar frekuensi Pahang FM di Bukit Sembilan dari 88.0MHz ke 103.9MHz, saya yakin bahawa Felda Selancar dan Keratong akan mempunyai liputan Pahang FM yang lebih jelas.
Johor Bahru radio stations are transmitted from Gunung Pulai, except Eight FM 105.3MHz and Melody FM 103.3MHz. Gunung Pulai transmitter site also covers other locations in Johor such as Pontian, Kota Tinggi, South Kluang (Simpang Renggam) and South Batu Pahat (Rengit). In addition, Gunung Pulai backs up several locations in North Johor where are blindspot of Gunung Ledang such as Parit Sulong (near Pagoh) and Yong Peng (between Chaah and Yong Peng town) where cannot receive Gunung Ledang signal clearly.
While most of Gunung Pulai transmitted radio stations can be tuned moderately in Batu Pahat and Kluang districts, but Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz is very weak there.
By comparing other Gunung Pulai transmitted radio stations such as Mix FM 99.1MHz, Johor FM 101.9MHz, Traxx FM 102.9MHz and 988 FM 99.9MHz in Central Johor, Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz is the weakest radio station tuned there.
Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz Gunung Pulai transmitter was launched in January 2012 by taking over now defunct RTM FM STEREO Johor Bharu which ceased transmission since March 2011.
On 16th September 2023, it was also the Malaysia Day public holiday, I also conducted the radio signal check of Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz from Gunung Pulai in 3 locations of Central Johor, namely Yong Peng, Paloh and Chaah. In addition, I also took the signal videos of Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz in Labis and Bekok on 1st January 2023, also Sri Gading in June 2017.
1. Yong Peng (71km)
2. Paloh (88km)
3. Chaah (91km)
4. Bekok (90km)
5. Labis (105km)
6. Sri Gading (63km)
During departure from Paloh to Chaah via Yong Peng's Kangkar Baharu road, when I was listening to an interview with a senior director of Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ) enforcement division regarding the importance of road tax and vehicle's insurance on Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz while driving from Paloh to Chaah for next radio DXing via Kangkar Baharu road where connects Paloh and Yong Peng, I could detect the co-channel interference with Pahang FM 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali between Yong Peng and Paloh.
There are 3 reasons of Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz is the weakest Gunung Pulai radio station in Johor (Batu Pahat, Kluang and Segamat are sample districts of radio reception).
1. While other radio stations' transmitter tower is operating at 2kW and above, Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz operates only at 1kW of transmitter power.
2. By checking the radio signal and coverage, Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz RF transmitting antenna in Gunung Pulai does not really beam to north direction, causing poor signal tuned in Batu Pahat, Kluang, Southern Muar and Southern Segamat. I suspect Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz is using directional antenna.
3. Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz does not beam to north direction from Gunung Pulai is also to prevent co-channel interference against the coverage of Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in Selancar, Perwira Jaya and Keratong, Pahang where Gunung Pulai signal can overspill to these southwest Pahang locations. Currently the co-channel interference between Bernama Radio and Pahang FM on 107.5MHz only happens in Labis, Tenang, Felda Redong and part of Yong Peng. If Bernama Radio FM 107.5MHz uses omni-directional antenna in Gunung Pulai and increases the transmitter power from 1kW to 2kW, Pahang FM 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali will face co-channel interference in Selancar. In Felda Selancar 01, 02 and 03, Pahang FM has no proper tuning frequency, 107.5MHz is the only tuning frequency there.
Bernama Radio has to improve its Johor Bahru frequency transmission because the audio is excessively loud.
From 2019 to early 2023, I managed to receive BFM 89.9 signal which is transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali for Klang Valley in few locations of Johor state such as Batu Anam, Bekok, Segamat, Muar and Parit Jawa, the radio signal is very weak in those stated locations.
I expanded the radio signal monitoring of BFM 89.9 in further locations in Johor state such as Yong Peng and Paloh. Yong Peng is a town located in Batu Pahat district, meanwhile Paloh is a small town in Kluang district.
BFM 89.9 is the furthest radio station tuned in Yong Peng and Paloh with 211km and 208km receiving distance from Gunung Ulu Kali respectively.
The signal is very weak and almost zero signal in these two locations actually.
1. Yong Peng (211km)
2. Paloh (208km)
Listeners who can tune BFM 89.9 via frequency transmission on the radio in Johor are very lucky and excellent because they can receive such far radio station.
Sempena Hari Malaysia pada 16hb September 2023 iaitu semalam, saya membuat konvoi radio DXing di negeri Johor, melibatkan Yong Peng, Paloh dan Chaah.
5 bulan lepas, semasa perayaan Hari Raya Aidilfitri, saya menerima isyarat RTM Selangor FM 100.9MHz di Parit Jawa yang terletak di daerah Muar. Kini, saya pula boleh mengesan isyarat RTM Selangor FM 100.9MHz di Yong Peng.
Orang di Yong Peng boleh menerima tiga buah stesen radio negeri RTM iaitu Johor FM 105.3MHz (Gunung Ledang), Negeri FM 107.7MHz (Gunung Ledang) dan Melaka FM 102.3MHz (Gunung Ledang). Penerimaan siaran Negeri FM (107.7 dan 92.6) dan Melaka FM 102.3MHz kurang jelas sebenarnya, manakala Melaka FM 102.3MHz mengalami gangguan frekuensi sama dengan Hijrah Radio FM 102.3MHz yang dipancar dari Batam, Indonesia di Yong Peng, menyebabkan siaran Melaka FM 102.3MHz kurang stabil di Yong Peng.
Selain dari 3 buah stesen radio negeri RTM, Selangor FM 100.9MHz diterima di Yong Peng, Johor dengan isyarat yang sangat lemah. Rakaman video diambil di kawasan berhampiran pejabat Majlis Daerah Yong Peng (MDYP) dengan radio kereta.
Jarak dari Gunung Ulu Kali ke Yong Peng ialah 211km.
Untuk makluman, kebanyakan kawasan Yong Peng tidak dapat menerima siaran Selangor FM 100.9MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali, kemungkinan isyarat Selangor FM 100.9MHz di Yong Peng itu berbentuk troposfera.
Pahang FM 107.5MHz tidak dapat diterima di Yong Peng, frekuensi 107.5MHz ialah Bernama Radio yang dipancar dari Gunung Pulai.
Selain kawasan Yong Peng, siaran Selangor FM 100.9MHz tidak dapat diterima di Chaah, Labis, dan Paloh.
Terdapat video isyarat RTM Melaka FM dan Negeri FM yang dirakam di Yong Peng, manakala Johor FM 105.3MHz tidak dirakam kerana Yong Peng ialah kawasan liputannya.
It was Malaysia Day yesterday on 16th September 2023. After radio DXing convoy in Terengganu, I launched my radio DXing convoy in Johor on Malaysia Day holiday, the convoy covered Yong Peng, Paloh and Chaah, then I extended to Jementah and Selancar after these 3 locations during departure to my home in Balakong in the afternoon.
Yong Peng was my first stop in radio DXing convoy yesterday, but I filmed radio signal videos there for 15-20 minutes before driving to Paloh for breakfast and FM DXing.
Compare to Batu Pahat, Rengit, Senggarang and Parit Raja, Singapore radio stations are very weak and difficult to be tuned in Yong Peng because of interference with Malaysia radio stations from Gunung Ledang, Gunung Ulu Kali and Gunung Telapak Buruk.
While I had skipped filming Singapore FM radio stations there, I received two Indonesia radio stations in Yong Peng, Johor, Malaysia such as Radio Republik Indonesia RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz and Hang FM 106.0MHz, both are based in Batam.
Hang FM 106.0MHz was the clearest Indonesia radio station tuned in Yong Peng with STEREO signal when I received it nearby Majlis Daerah Yong Peng office (Yong Peng District Council), meanwhile RRI Batam PRO-1 FM 105.1MHz was very weak there and having adjacent channel interference with RTM Johor FM 105.3MHz from Gunung Ledang.
Hang FM 106.0MHz had no interference with CityPlus FM 106.0MHz from Gunung Telapak Buruk in Yong Peng, Johor.
Hijrah Radio FM 102.3MHz from Batam was not received in Yong Peng because 102.3MHz is Melaka FM from Gunung Ledang, however co-channel interference between Hijrah Radio and Melaka FM could be detected on 102.3MHz in Yong Peng.
Receiving distance range is 140-145km from Batam to Yong Peng.
It is almost a year where Molek FM took over 8FM (now Eight FM) Kuantan frequency 100.4MHz.
Although Eight FM is unavailable of its Kuantan frequency currently, but this Chinese radio station can be tuned in Pekan and part of Kuantan via Klang Valley frequency 88.1MHz (transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali).
On 27th August 2023, I went to Terengganu, but I dropped by Pekan and Kuantan for breakfast and also filming Eight FM 88.1MHz signal videos there due to Eight FM's Kuantan frequency 100.4MHz was taken over by Molek FM on 2nd October 2022.
From Kuantan to Pekan, the signal of Eight FM 88.1MHz is moderate, but it has mild adjacent channel interference with Pahang FM 88.0MHz from Muadzam Shah's Bukit Sembilan when I reached Pekan town.
After the breakfast and ready to depart to Kuala Terengganu, I dropped by Kuantan city center to film Eight FM 88.1MHz signal video.
In Kuantan, Eight FM 88.1MHz signal is only up to the city center near Kuantan 188 and Jalan Wong Ah Jang with very weak reception. No signal is receivable when I tune near Beserah and Kuantan areas near Bukit Pelindung.
Dear Eight FM's listeners in Kuantan, you can try tuning the frequency to 88.1MHz, but I cannot guarantee it can be tuned in all Kuantan areas.
Although Kuantan is still having empty frequency slots for FM radio broadcast, but in order to relaunch Eight FM in Kuantan, MCMC should release 1 frequency to Media Prima Audio. So, the listeners can tune to Eight FM in Kuantan on local frequency, instead of 88.1MHz.
Seriously I hope MCMC will award 1 frequency to Media Prima for Eight FM in Kuantan as soon as possible.
Here are the videos of receiving Eight FM 88.1 in Kuantan and Pekan, including my speech video in Chinese Mandarin.
In Kuantan, Traxx FM is using same frequency with Suria FM from Gunung Ulu Kali (Klang Valley) which both are on FM 105.3MHz.
From Gambang to Maran, Traxx FM 105.3MHz starts to have co-channel interference with Suria FM 105.3MHz in Sri Jaya, Pahang.
FM 94.7MHz from Bukit Senggora, FM 88.7MHz Gunung Telapak Buruk and FM 100.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali cannot be tuned in Sri Jaya due to interference, meanwhile 94.7 has no signal in Sri Jaya.
Unlike Pahang FM which has Bukit Sulai transmitter, Traxx FM doesn't have Bukit Sulai transmitter, but alternatively Traxx FM's listeners can tune to FM 97.4MHz (Gunung Ledang) when co-channel interference between Traxx FM and Suria FM on 105.3MHz happens in Sri Jaya and part of Pekan.
In Chini, FM 100.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is the alternative frequency for Traxx FM.
Tahukah anda? Walaupun kawasan sasaran Molek FM frekuensi FM 93.6MHz dari Bukit Besar ialah Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Setiu, Marang dan Hulu Terengganu, frekuensi Molek FM 93.6MHz masih boleh diterima di kawasan Daerah Dungun.
Pada 27hb dan 30hb Ogos 2023, saya telah membuat rakaman video penerimaan siaran Molek FM 93.6MHz di 4 buah kawasan Daerah Dungun iaitu Kuala Dungun, Paka, Bandar Al-Muktafi Billah Shah dan Ketengah Jaya.
1. Paka
2. Kuala Dungun
3. Bandar Al-Muktafi Billah Shah
4. Ketengah Jaya
Di Bukit Besi, Molek FM 93.6MHz masih jelas isyaratnya. Mengenai penerimaan frekuensi FM 100.4MHz dari Bukit Pelindung di Daerah Dungun, siaran Molek FM 100.4MHz diganggu oleh Minnal FM 100.7MHz dari Bukit Besar di Paka dan Kuala Dungun.
Secara keseluruhan, Molek FM 93.6MHz lebih jelas daripada 100.4MHz di Daerah Dungun, Terengganu. Untuk meliputi kawasan Daerah Dungun dan Kemaman Utara (Kemasik, Kerteh) dengan lebih jelas, Media Prima Audio boleh melancarkan frekuensi Dungun untuk Molek FM dengan memohon lesen frekuensi kepada SKMM di tempat pemancar Bukit Bauk.
RTM operates 6 radio stations in Bukit Bauk for Dungun and also 7 radio stations in Bukit Bintang for Besut and Setiu.
==RTM Bukit Bauk==
* 95.9MHz: Radio Klasik
* 96.9MHz: Nasional FM
* 97.7MHz: Terengganu FM
* 98.9MHz: Traxx FM
* 99.7MHz: Ai FM
* 100.7MHz: Minnal FM
==RTM Bukit Bintang==
* 94.3MHz: Radio Klasik
* 98.8MHz: Nasional FM
* 96.2MHz: Terengganu FM
* 107.1MHz: Kelantan FM
* 97.0MHz: Traxx FM
* 97.8MHz: Ai FM
* 95.3MHz: Minnal FM
3 of radio stations in Bukit Bauk and Bukit Bintang are having 100kHz frequency separation, so the interference between Bukit Bauk and Bukit Bintang radio stations occur in Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, Marang, Ajil, Bukit Payong and Sungai Tong, however listeners in these locations can tune to Bukit Besar frequencies which are the clearest for Central Terengganu.
==Current condition==
96.9MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Bauk
97.0MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Bintang
<100kHz>
97.7MHz: Terengganu FM Bukit Bauk
97.8MHz: Ai FM Bukit Bintang
<100kHz>
98.8MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Bintang
98.9MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Bauk
<100kHz>
To make self interference radio network between Bukit Bauk and Bukit Bintang, RTM can swap the frequency by making same stations at 100kHz frequency separation.
==After swap the stations==
96.9MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Bauk
97.0MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Bintang
<100kHz>
97.7MHz: Ai FM Bukit Bauk
97.8MHz: Ai FM Bukit Bintang
<100kHz>
98.8MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Bintang
98.9MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Bauk
<100kHz>
Listeners in Central Terengganu who tune these frequencies will only hear interference of same radio stations after swapping.
==RTM Bukit Bauk frequencies after swap==
* 95.9MHz: Radio Klasik
* 96.9MHz: Traxx FM
* 97.7MHz: Ai FM
* 98.9MHz: Nasional FM
* 99.7MHz: Terengganu FM
* 100.7MHz: Minnal FM
So, Radio Klasik and Minnal FM remain unchanged in Bukit Bauk.
For current situation, it is up to RTM whether wants to do the radio channel swap or not because it can be unnecessary due to Central Terengganu is covered by Bukit Besar transmitter where is the local for the region, meanwhile Bukit Bauk and Bukit Bintang are distant transmitters for Central Terengganu (out of broadcast coverage).
988在東海岸只有在關丹有收聽頻率, FM 90.4MHz. 跟競爭對手MY FM和Melody FM相比, 這家馬來西亞收聽率第二的中文電台沒有在瓜拉登嘉樓和哥打峇魯設有收聽頻道, 主要原因是這兩個東海岸地區的華人人口極少, 所以對988是毫無商業價值.
在登嘉樓州內南部有幾個地區還可以通過關丹頻道的FM 90.4MHz收聽得到988, 比如甘馬挽的朱蓋 (Chukai)和雅姆 (Jabor). 其實988 FM 90.4MHz在登嘉樓甘馬挽縣地區的線路沒有這麼好, 因為其頻率也很接近從2015年開始在Bukit Kemuning啟用的Terengganu FM 90.7MHz, 所以使用品質比較差的收音機收聽988 FM 90.4MHz會受到Terengganu FM 90.7MHz的干擾.
988關丹頻率90.4跟Terengganu FM甘馬挽頻率90.7MHz的距離才300kHz (公赫), 其實兩者也算靠近, 但甘馬挽不是988的主要覆蓋範圍, 因此在甘馬挽被Terengganu FM 90.7MHz干擾不是重要的問題. 若當地聽眾收聽988就需要使用品質比較好的收音機收聽, 因為這些品質好收音機內的電板具有頻率過濾功能 (frequency filter), 買具有DSP - Digital Signal Processing功能的收音機來收聽會比較好, 但價格貴一些. 個人覺得沒有必要建議RTM換Terengganu FM甘馬挽頻率因為300kHz頻率差距已經挺足夠, 何況RTM有些電台的頻率也有300kHz頻率差距 (Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser和Asyik FM 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali). 在柔佛南部也有同樣的情況, Melody FM新山頻率98.4 (Gunung Pulai)和新加坡電台98.7FM的頻率差距只有300kHz, 也沒有遇到嚴重的問題.
From Kuala Lumpur to the Kuantan, BFM 89.9 is available in large part of Pahang state actually.
Before reaching Kuantan where BFM 89.9 signal is weak there, BFM 89.9 is very clear in Maran, Pahang.
Maran is a quiet town in Central Pahang where it is located between Kuantan and Temerloh. During my departure from Terengganu to Kuala Lumpur, I dropped by Maran for radio DXing and found that BFM 89.9 has clear signal there. The video was taken in Maran town on 30th August 2023 at noon before driving to Temerloh for having quick lunch.
Another version was made in 2022 where I filmed BFM 89.9 signal in Maran on East Coast Expressway, also known as LPT1.
BFM 89.9 is going to celebrate 15 years anniversary on this Friday when it falls on 8th September 2023, and BFM 89.9 only broadcasts in Klang Valley until today, however no coverage expansion outside Klang Valley is made currently.
By locating the transmitter in Gunung Ulu Kali, BFM 89.9 already partially breaks Klang Valley bubble because it is receivable in South Perak, West-Central Pahang, and part of Negeri Sembilan/Melaka/Johor.
Whoever travels to Maran in Pahang state, BFM 89.9 can be tuned clearly.
Since 1996, Johor based radio station Best FM (formerly known as Best 104 from 1989 to 2014) expanded its coverage to Klang Valley on FM 104.1MHz, transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali, so Best FM becomes available in South Perak and West Pahang.
In fact, Best FM is still receivable in Central Pahang clearly on the same frequency on FM 104.1MHz, hence the listeners can listen to Best FM 104.1MHz in Jengka, Maran and Chenor.
On 30th August 2023, during the departure from Kuala Terengganu to Kuala Lumpur, I stopped in several locations to conduct radio DXing, including Maran in Pahang.
In Maran, Pahang, Best FM 104.1MHz is still loud and clear, I filmed its signal video there before having lunch in Temerloh.
Co-channel interference with Pahang FM 104.1MHz from Bukit Pelindung is not detected in Maran town, but the interference only happens in Maran toll exit and Sri Jaya.
Alongside Maran, Best FM 104.1MHz is also clearly available in Jengka and Chenor.
Dari tahun 2019 ke 2023, saya membuat rakaman video penerimaan isyarat radio Best FM 104.1MHz di kawasan Pahang Tengah.
Sebenarnya Best FM boleh didengari di Pahang Tengah seperti Jengka, Chenor dan Maran pada frekuensi FM 104.1MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali sejak tahun 1996 dimana Best FM memperluaskan siarannya dari Johor ke Lembah Klang.
Untuk menarik perhatian pendengar dan penduduk di Pahang Tengah, terdapat video koleksi saya mengenai penerimaan siaran radio Best FM 104.1MHz di Pahang Tengah, Best FM masih jelas di Maran, Jengka dan Chenor.
1. Chenor
2. Jengka
3. Maran
Dengarkan Best FM di Pahang Tengah, frekuensi FM 104.1MHz.
Alongside Thailand radio stations, I also conducted radio reception check and video filming of Media Prima Audio radio stations signal in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, such as Hot FM 88.6MHz, Molek FM 105.1MHz and Fly FM 107.4MHz.
Hot FM 88.6MHz, Molek FM 105.1MHz and Fly FM 107.4MHz are transmitted from TV3 Peringat tower in Kota Bharu outskirt.
Based on the radio reception videos above, Hot FM 88.6MHz is the weakest tuned in Pasir Puteh, meanwhile Molek FM 105.1MHz is the clearest.
Fly FM 107.4MHz signal is moderate in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, but MONO signal only.
In my opinion, Hot FM 88.6MHz can be improved by increasing the transmitter power from 0.5kW to 1kW, so the listeners in Pasir Puteh can tune to Hot FM better.
Regarding the transmitter power, Molek FM 105.1MHz is at 2kW, Hot FM 88.6MHz is at 0.5kW and Fly FM 107.4MHz is at 0.25kW.
RTM Kelantan FM mempunyai sebuah pemancar di negeri Terengganu, iaitu Bukit Bintang pada frekuensi FM 107.1MHz. Tidak sama dengan Terengganu FM 96.2MHz, Traxx FM 97.0MHz dan stesen radio RTM lain kerana Kelantan FM 107.1MHz menggunakan antena "directional" untuk meliputi kawasan titik buta FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar di Jajahan Pasir Puteh serta Besut yang mempunyai banyak orang yang bercakap Bahasa Kelate dengan menghala ke arah utara sahaja.
Di negeri Terengganu, RTM Kelantan FM 107.1MHz dari Bukit Bintang meliputi kawasan Bandar Jerteh, Kampung Raja, dan Kuala Besut di Daerah Besut serta Bandar Permaisuri di Daerah Setiu. Isyarat semakin lemah selepas Bandar Permaisuri apabila menghala ke arah Chalok, manakala Kelantan FM masih boleh terus didengari di Chalok dan Sungai Tong pada FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar, namun isyarat lemah.
Untuk Hulu Besut, Kelantan FM mungkin boleh didengari pada frekuensi FM 97.3MHz.
Pada 27hb Ogos 2023, saya berada di Kuala Terengganu untuk bercuti dan membuat pemantauan isyarat radio FM jauh dari tempat pemancar.
Saya menerima siaran Kelantan FM pada frekuensi FM 97.3MHz (Bukit Bakar) dan FM 107.1MHz (Bukit Bintang) di Kuala Terengganu, isyarat ditangkap di atas Jambatan Angkat dan kawasan sekitar KTCC Mall.
FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar lebih kuat daripada FM 107.1MHz Bukit Bintang di Kuala Terengganu.
Berbanding dengan Ai FM 97.8MHz dan Terengganu FM 96.2MHz dari Bukit Bintang, isyarat frekuensi Kelantan FM 107.1MHz memang sukar didengari di Kuala Terengganu akibat Kelantan FM 107.1MHz di Bukit Bintang tidak memancar ke arah selatan. Oleh itu, liputan Kelantan FM 107.1MHz di negeri Terengganu hanya meliputi Besut dan sebahagian Setiu, isyarat FM 107.1MHz cuma boleh didengari ke kawasan sehingga Bandar Permaisuri.
Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar mempunyai gangguan frekuensi oleh Sinar FM 97.5MHz dari Bukit Besar apabila saya mendengar siaran Kelantan FM di Kuala Terengganu.
Untuk Daerah Setiu, Bandar Permaisuri adalah tempat yang hanya boleh menerima siaran Kelantan FM pada 107.1MHz dari Bukit Bintang, manakala pendengar perlu menerima siaran Kelantan FM di Chalok dan sebahagian kecil Sungai Tong pada frekuensi FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar.
I was in Kuala Terengganu from 27th to 30th August 2023, and listening to Astro radio stations such as Melody FM 104.0MHz, Era FM 102.8MHz and Mix FM 98.3MHz at a hotel, the normal radio broadcast will be interrupted when there is rain in Kuala Terengganu, and the radio transmission will be switched to backup audio sources suddenly.
Example: When Mix FM 98.3MHz is playing Lady Gaga - Bad Romance in the half way (as the main audio source from broadcast studio), then the radio station suddenly switches to backup source by playing Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball via mp3 player in the transmitter when there is a heavy rain in Kuala Terengganu, then while Mix FM 98.3MHz plays Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball at 3rd quarter of the song, and suddenly switches back to the main audio source.
I believe the audio source interruption of Astro Radio usually involves Bukit Besar in Terengganu, Bukit Panau in Kelantan and Bukit Pelindung in Pahang, but with the exception of Gegar.
The transmission of Astro radio stations (except Gegar) in Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu are inconsistent, especially the audio source when the rain happens.
Based on MCMC's apparatus assignment list, Astro Radio uses CELCOM radio transmission service in Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu.
In my opinion, Astro Radio's Kuala Terengganu transmission in CELCOM Bukit Besar main source is just simply equipped with Astro DVR decoder and a Ku band satellite receiving dish. Acknowledge that Ku band signal is very sensitive with the rain, so Astro Radio's Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu transmission will face the interruption during raining because of Ku band signal faces rainfade.
To solve the issue, I strongly suggest Astro Radio to install C-band receiver and dish in its east coast transmitter sites to relay feeds from the headquarters, instead using consumer's DVR decoder and Ku band satellite dish. This is because C-band satellite signal can send the studio feed to transmitter sites easily. Astro shall have C-band satellite transmission for radio broadcast by sending signal from studio to the transmitter sites.
Currently Hot FM and Molek FM frequencies in Kuala Terengganu are 105.0MHz and 93.6MHz respectively, meanwhile in Kota Bharu, Hot FM is on 88.6MHz and Molek FM on 105.1MHz.
In Besut areas, Hot FM 105.0MHz (Kuala Terengganu) and Molek FM 105.1MHz (Kota Bharu) are having interference badly because both are having 100kHz frequency separation, and 105.0MHz and 105.1MHz are different radio stations. Listeners in Besut, Terengganu have to tune on alternative frequencies weakly such as Hot FM on 88.6MHz, and Molek FM 93.6MHz.
When I was in Jerteh, Molek FM 105.1MHz and Hot FM 105.0MHz were badly interfering each other.
In my opinion, Media Prima Audio does not need to launch Bukit Bintang transmitter for Hot FM and Molek FM actually to solve interference issue between both radio stations. The interference issue can be solved by swapping Molek FM's and Hot FM's Kuala Terengganu frequencies.
Hot FM can use 93.6MHz in Kuala Terengganu, meanwhile Molek FM uses 105.0MHz.
==Frequency swap between Molek FM and Hot FM in Kuala Terengganu==
* Hot FM: 105.0MHz>>93.6MHz
* Molek FM: 93.6MHz>>105.0MHz
If Molek FM swaps with Hot FM by switching Kuala Terengganu frequency from 93.6MHz to 105.0MHz, it will be easier for its listeners in Besut, Terengganu because they can tune 105.0MHz and 105.1MHz vice versa as both frequencies are same radio stations. So, this results self-interference.
105.0MHz: Molek FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)
105.1MHz: Molek FM Peringat (Kota Bharu)
<100kHz, self-interference under same stations>
Self-interference of Molek FM between 105.0MHz and 105.1MHz is same as Fly FM which is on 107.4MHz in Kota Bharu and 107.5MHz Kuala Terengganu, what an easy management.
The FM 105.0MHz transmitter power is at 2kW, meanwhile 93.6MHz is at 1kW. So, it is better to put Molek FM on 105.0MHz, but Hot FM can increase transmitter power from 1kW to 2kW when it uses 93.6MHz.
As Thailand radio station in Tak Bai on FM 88.75MHz is no longer in operation, Hot FM can increase Kota Bharu frequency 88.6MHz transmitter power to 1kW, so it can reach Besut better.
If Media Prima Audio does the frequencies swap between Molek FM and Hot FM in Kuala Terengganu, the proposal to launch Bukit Bintang transmitter for Besut is not necessary anymore.
In Southern Thailand, the Public Relations Department of Thailand (PRD) has a Pattani accent Malay language radio station for deep south provinces such as Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani, this radio station is known as Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz.
Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz is very popular in Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani, even it is also popular in Kelantan, Malaysia. This radio station is receivable in most of Kelantan districts such as Kota Bharu, Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Bachok, Pasir Puteh, Machang, Kuala Krai and Jeli, however it can be tuned in Terengganu state too.
In Terengganu, Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz Pattani Malay language broadcast is available in two locations, mainly Kuala Besut and Kampung Raja, meanwhile there is no signal to tune Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz in Jerteh.
Despite its sister channel Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz is receivable in Jerteh, Terengganu, but FM 95.0MHz cannot be tuned because the transmitter power of FM 95MHz is only 1kW from Khao Pok Yo, and its effective radiated power (ERP) is only 4kW, meanwhile FM 92.0MHz is at 10kW transmitter power and ERP of FM 92MHz is at 40kW.
When I was in Besut district on 28th August 2023, for Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz, I only filmed the signal video in Kuala Besut because I skipped FM DXing in Kampung Raja as it is very near to Kuala Besut with only 6km distance, somewhat Thailand radio signal condition in Kampung Raja is same as Kuala Besut.
The signal of Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz is moderately clear in Kuala Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia. Transmitted from Khao Pok Yo tower at standard 1kW transmitter output power, the distance to Kuala Besut town is 141 kilometers.
With the video above, Kuala Besut and Kampung Raja are the only coverage of Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz in Terengganu state, Malaysia. As Besut district of Terengganu has many Kelantanese Malay people, they can tune to this radio station too. Pattani Malay is almost same as Kelantanese Malay.
